Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake speaks in front of faith and...

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake speaks in front of faith and community leaders at a news conference calling for peace in response to a Freddie Gray protest that turned violent, April 26, 2015, at the Bethel AME Church in Baltimore. Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is defending his Baltimore counterpart as a stand-up leader.

Nutter tells CNN Tuesday that Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is being unfairly criticized for the response to violent protests over the police custody death of Freddie Gray.

Nutter says protesters bear personal responsibility for their role Monday night's riots that included looting and buildings being burned.

Nutter says the riots distracted from Gray's death following an April 12 arrest. His funeral was held Monday.

The Philadelphia mayor called for calm. He says leaders need to address bigger issues fueling unrest, including tense police-community relations and high unemployment.

Nutter criticized television commentators for knocking Rawlings-Blake without what he says are all the facts. He says television coverage has largely ignored people trying to save their communities from rioters.

LIRR COVID fraud suspensions … Trump trial resumes … What's Up on Long Island Credit: Newsday

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LIRR COVID fraud suspensions … Trump trial resumes … What's Up on Long Island Credit: Newsday

Gilgo-related search continues ... Huntington subdivision lawsuit ... LI home sales ... Vintage office equipment

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